British Marine Artist
Original oil paintings

(b.1934) Cheshire, England

With a successful career spanning decades, Les Spence is one of Britain’s most established marine artists. Best known for their mysterious atmosphere and their intriguing storylines within, Spence’s haunting marine scenes are admired by traditional and contemporary collectors alike.

Trained and practised as a lettering artist, gilder and interior designer, Spence initially began his working years as a signwriter. Though the role meant that he spent his working hours painting, Les also enjoyed painting in his spare time, when he had the freedom to paint subjects of his own choosing. Over time, he developed a unique painting style and matured from a craftsman to an artist. In 1965, at the age of 31, Spence decided to give up his job and focus on a career as a professional artist.

The sea and its plethora of tales have been a steadfast muse for Spence throughout his life. Les spent many of his childhood years growing up in Yorkshire, where the dramatic coastline no doubt served as an early inspiration. Many years later in 1971, Les and his family moved to their present home in Cornwall, where he has continued to take inspiration from the region’s small fishing ports and striking coastal landscape.

Les Spence’s reputation as a leading artist has continued to flourish over the years. In addition to his one-man shows at established galleries across the country, Spence has also exhibited with some of the most prestigious art societies, including the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Royal Society of British Artists. A few of his notable commissions include the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Royal Marines, Readers Digest and Westward Television. His work has also been published by six different UK publishers and marketed worldwide in 53 countries.